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Release & story order

Dark Souls timeline

Dark Souls mainline trilogy from the 2011 FromSoftware debut through Dark Souls III and its DLC—US release dates, separate cycle lore, Remastered vs original, Scholar of the First Sin, and FAQ for DS1→DS3→DS2 vs release order.

Updated August 2026

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Release order Story order

Release order

When FromSoftware shipped each Dark Souls mainline chapter in the US—Dark Souls (2011), Dark Souls II / Scholar (2014–2015), Dark Souls III (2016), plus Remastered (2018).

  • Newcomers 2026 → Dark Souls Remastered → Scholar → Dark Souls III (+ DLC)
  • Skip 2011 / 2014 base if you own Remastered / Scholar bundles
  • Broader FromSoftware map → see Elden Ring timeline
  • This page is trilogy-only—not Demon's Souls / Bloodborne / Sekiro
Story order tips

Three separate cycles in linked worlds. Lore fans often play DS1 → DS3 → DS2; newcomers can follow release order (1 → 2 → 3) for difficulty curve—FAQ compares both.

  • Lore path: Dark Souls → Dark Souls III → Dark Souls II
  • Release path: same trilogy, DS2 before DS3—easier mechanical ramp
  • DS3 DLC (Ashes / Ringed City) finishes the DS1 arc—FAQ
  • On Story order, later entries may be hidden—reveal when ready or use Show all spoilers

Timeline

When each game was released. Click a game for platforms, dates, and where it fits in your playthrough.

Release order

  1. Dark Souls

    Dark Souls

    PS3Xbox 360PCAction RPGMainlineCycle I

    Dark Souls is Lordran and the First Flame—FromSoftware’s genre-defining debut that taught a generation to read levels as puzzles.

    Overview
    Interconnected world design, bonfire checkpoints, and opaque lore delivery launched the modern “Souls” template.
    In-game setting
    Franchise opener in Lordran. Remastered shares this Story slot—do not play both 2011 and Remastered for plot.
    Should you play it?
    Series start—prefer Dark Souls: Remastered for 2026 play. Cross-links: *Elden Ring*, *Bloodborne*.
    Release date
    US October 4, 2011 on PS3 and Xbox 360; PC Prepare to Die Edition followed. Remastered supersedes for new buyers.
  2. Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin

    Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin

    PS4Xbox OnePCAction RPGRemasterMainline

    Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin is the definitive DS2—rebalanced combat, moved enemies, and all Crown DLC bundled.

    Overview
    Scholar supersedes the 2014 base game with denser enemy placement and a complete DLC package in one edition.
    In-game setting
    Covers the Crown trilogy DLC. Many fans play after DS3 for thematic contrast—both orders are valid.
    Should you play it?
    Buy Scholar—not the 2014 base—for the full DS2 experience. Optional vs strict trilogy lore order. Current storefront editions are the practical buy for newcomers.
    Release date
    US April 7, 2015 on PS4, Xbox One, and PC (Steam 335300). Original DS2 shipped March 11, 2014.
  3. Dark Souls III

    Dark Souls III

    PS4Xbox OnePCAction RPGMainlineCycle III

    Dark Souls III is where embers fade—Lothric, converging cycles, and the fastest combat in the numbered trilogy.

    Overview
    Tightens DS1 callbacks with quicker rolls and boss density while The Ringed City closes the Flame loop.
    In-game setting
    Play after Remastered. Add Ashes of Ariandel + The Ringed City for the full ending path.
    Should you play it?
    Trilogy capstone—DLC strongly recommended for DS1 fans. Later FromSoftware: *Elden Ring*, *Sekiro*. Current storefront editions are the practical buy for newcomers.
    Release date
    US April 12, 2016 on PS4, Xbox One, and PC (Steam 374320). Fire Fades Edition bundles DLC.
  4. Dark Souls: Remastered

    Dark Souls: Remastered

    PS4Xbox OnePCSwitchAction RPGRemasterMainline

    Dark Souls: Remastered is the definitive DS1 package—60 fps, QoL, and Artorias of the Abyss included.

    Overview
    Modern console / PC pass on the original Lordran campaign without rewriting the classic loop. Later chapters still answer the systems and tone this entry set.
    In-game setting
    Same Story slot as 2011 Dark Souls—replaces it for most players. Required before DS3 for full callback payoffs.
    Should you play it?
    Default way to start the trilogy in 2026 before Dark Souls III or a detour into *Elden Ring*. Current storefront editions are the practical buy for newcomers.
    Release date
    US May 24, 2018 on PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Switch. Steam App ID 570940.

FAQ

Release vs story order, Remastered, Scholar, III DLC, and wider FromSoftware cousins.

Release order

Release order is when each Dark Souls mainline game launched in the US (2011–2018). Story order follows cycle lore—often DS1 → DS3 → DS2 for thematic payoff, even though DS2 shipped between DS1 and DS3.

Lore recommended: Dark Souls Remastered → Dark Souls III (with DLC) → Dark Souls II Scholar. Release / difficulty ramp: Remastered → Scholar → III. You do not need the 2011 or 2014 base editions if you own the remasters.

Story & cycles

Dark Souls II takes place in a different cycle and kingdom (Drangleic). It is loosely connected, not a direct bridge from DS1 to DS3. Playing DS3 before DS2 preserves DS1→DS3 convergence surprises; playing DS2 second follows release order and difficulty curve.

Remasters & DLC

Dark Souls Remastered (2018, Steam 570940) replaces the 2011 game. Scholar of the First Sin (2015, Steam 335300) replaces 2014 Dark Souls II and bundles all DLC. This page keeps older release-order titles for history only.

Ashes of Ariandel and The Ringed City are the two main DLC episodes. Ringed City especially ties back to Dark Souls I—most lore guides treat both as essential after the base DS3 campaign. Season Pass or Deluxe bundles include them.

Optional & related

More timelines

Other release-order and story-order guides on this site.